Part of living a life of gratitude is remembering what has been done for us. We are cleansed from our past…
choices we wish we had never made…
places we wish we had never went to…
words we wish we had never said…
Oh friends, we have been forgiven much.
May we never allow Satan to hold us captive because of our past, but may we also never forget and become ungrateful.
We need to live in the humble balance of remembrance and grace.
“He…has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” 2 Peter 1:9
May it never be said that we have forgotten…
Because when we are thankful, we desire to grow and be like Christ.
We make the “effort to add to our faith” and desire to increase in faithfulness, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. (2 Peter 1:5-6)
“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:8
Now is not a time to be ineffective or unproductive in our families, communities….world.
“Some of the most effective Christians I have known are people without dramatic talents and special abilities, or even exciting personalities, yet God has used them in marvelous ways. Why? Because they are becoming more and more like Jesus Christ. They have the kind of character and conduct that God can trust with blessing. They are fruitful because they are faithful; they are effective because they are growing in their Christian experience.”- Warren Wiersbe
You see there is a lie that is being spoken that only those “special” Christians are making a difference for God.
The ones with the biggest followings, most book deals or largest speaking venues…
The ones with the special talents God needs to help spread His message throughout the world…
Not ordinary women like you and me…
Ahhh but don’t you believe that for a second!
God is an expert in using the ordinary to do the extraordinary!
Our job is to “make every effort to” continue working on these qualities year after year, to increase in our knowledge of Jesus, as God produces more and more fruit in our lives
We are the body of Christ and we ALL have a special part to play in this amazing story of love and redemption God is writing with our lives…
How you love, grow and serve matters!
The fruitfulness of your life matters…
Your vision matters too…
Though we know our “good works” do not save us, the overflow of a thankful life is good deeds. How can we remain unchanged if we truly understand the price Jesus paid for our sins? Our understanding should prompt us to reach out to others…
We must strive to see others outside our immediate community and not become nearsighted or blind seeing only those in our lives.
“There are some Christians who see only their own churches or their own denominations, but who fail to see the greatness of God’s family around the world. Some believers see the needs at home but have no vision for a lost world.”- Warren Wiersbe
Ohh I pray God will increase our vision as we choose to not become nearsighted.
There is a hurting world out there who needs to hear about Jesus and witness the difference He makes in our lives as we choose to grow in obedience and produce the fruit of goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love…
Let’s choose to live lives of gratitude, growth and not forget…heaven is waiting and one day there will be a welcome party for us as we come home!
Because we’re not home yet, so let’s make the most of our days now…
Love God Greatly!
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I feel like I go through spurts. Lately I have to admit that I haven’t been do as well. This last 3 days of study have been speaking to me and confirming that our time on earth will always be working and striving to grow in knowledge of Jesus Christ and increase in these Godly virtues. Because if we don’t we are no different than an unbeliever or someone who professes to know Christ but doesn’t really.
Jnel,
I’m so glad that you are not condemning yourself. There will always be days when we fall short during our Christian walk. But…everyday is another opportunity to get it right, to receive new grace and mercy, to forget how we failed yesterday, an hour ago, even a minute ago, and to press forward and reach out for God. Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you as you run your race with perseverance and dedication!
~Terria
This study has been such a blessing to me! Today our church goes on it’s first prayer walk, and this message you gave, Angela, could not be any more timely for us even though you wrote it years ago! God’s timing is so perfect. Thank you for your obedience and willingness to share and lead.